SF 907 
.U57 
Copy 1 



PROCEEDINGS AND REPORT 



BOARD OF OFFICERS 



'a' 



BY PAE. 9, S. O. No. 71, HD. QRS. OF THE AEMY, A. G. O., 

APRIL 5, 1878, TO EXAMINE AND REPORT 

UPON CERTAIN PATTERNS OF 



HORSE AND MULE SHOES. 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

1879. 



,W51 



R E P R 1^ 

OF THE 

\ 

BOARD TO EXAimE HORSE AND MULE SHOES. 



War Departiment, 
Quaeteemaster-General's Office, 

Washington, B. C, JDecemher 17, 1878. 
Under tlie antliority of the honorable the Secretary* of 
War, the subjoined proceedings and report of a Board 
of Officers appointed by paragraph 9, Special Orders No. 
71, Headquarters of the Army, Adjutant-General's Of- 
fice, dated April 5, 1878, to examine and report upon 
certain patterns of horse and mule shoes, submitted to 
it by this office, is published for the information of offi- 
cers of the Army. 

M. 0. MEIGS, 
Quartermaster- General, Bvt. Maj. Gen., U. 8. A. 



Washington, D. C., August 1, 1878. 
General : I have the honor to transmit proceedings 
of a Board of Officers to examine and report upon ''certain 
patterns of horse and nuile shoes " (submitted by the 
Quartermaster General of the Army), convened by Spe- 
cial Order iSTo. 71, paragraph 9, dated War Department, 
Adjutant-GeneraPs Office, Washington, April o, 1878. 
I am, very respectfully, vour obedient servant, 
E'. B. HUBBARD, 
First Lieutenant Second Artillery, Recorder. 
The Adjutant-General U. S. Army, 

Washington, B. C. 



4: 

[First indorsement.] 

Adjutant-General's Office, 

Waskington, August 13, 1878. 
Eespectfully referred to tlie Quarterinaster-Geueral. 

E. D. TOW^SEND, 

Adjutant- Oeneral. 

[Second indorsement.] 

War Department, 
Quartermaster-General's Office, 

Washington^ September 23, 1878. 
Eespectfully returned to the Adjutant-General of the 
Army, with the recommendation that 1,000 copies of the 
ret)ort and papers in full be printed and distributed to 
officers of the Army, and that such order, if any, be is- 
sued as may be needed. 

M. C. MEIGS, 
Quartermaster- General, Bvt. Maj. Gen., IT. S. A. 

4463, Q. M. G. O., 1878 ; filed with 1174 of 1877 (9 
inclosures). 

[Tliird indorsement.] 

Adjutant-General's Office, 

Washington^ Sept. 25, 1878. 
Eespectfully submitted to the Secretary of War, with 
papers on which the Board was convened. 

E. D. TOWIl^SElNrD, 

Adjutant- General. 

[Fourth indorsement. ] 

The recommendation of the Quartermaster-General is 
approved. 
By order of the Secretarv of War. 

H. T. CEOSBY, 

Chief Cleric. 

War Department, October 1, 1878. 



[Fiftli indorsement.] 

Adjutant-General's Office, 

Washington, October 4, 1878. 
EespectfiiUy retiu^ued to the Quartermci.ster-General, 
invitiug atteution to action of the Secretary of War iu- 
dorsed hereon. 

E. D. TOW^vTSEND, 

Adjutant- General. 



Proceedings of a Board of Officers convened at Washing- 
ton, D. C.J pursuant to the following special order : 

Special Orders Xo. 71. 

Headquarters of the Army, 

Adjutant-Gexeral's Office, 

Washington, April 5, 1878. 

[Extract.] 



9. With the approval of the Secretary of War, a Board of Officers, 
to consist of Ca|)t. F. B. Hamilton, Second Artillery ; Capt. J. G. 
Eamsay, Second Artillery ; First Lient. E. B. Hubhard, Second Ar- 
tillery, Avill assemble in this cify on the 11th day of April, 1878, or 
as soon thereafter as practicable, for the purpose of examining and 
reporting npon certain patterns of 'Miorse and mule shoes,'' which 
have been brought to the attention of the Quartermaster-General's 
Office, with a view to their adoption for Army use, and such other 
patterns as may be presented at said office during the existence of 
the Board, or that the Quartermaster-General may desire to sub- 
mit, other than the patterns adopted for use in the Army by Gen- 
eral Orders No. 7, February 2, 1876, fi-om the War Department, 
Adjutant-General's Office. 

The junior member will act as recorder. 

By command of General Sherman : 

E. D. TOWNSEND, 

Adjutant-General. 

Official : 

L. H. Pelouze, 

Assistant Aclju ta n t- Gen era I. 



6 

Washington, D. C, 
April 11, 1878—12 o'clock m. 
The Board met, pursuant to the foregoing order, at the 
office of the Quartermaster-General. Present: Oapt. F. 
B. Hamilton, Second Artillery ; Capt. J. G. Ramsay, 
Second Ai^tillery ; First Lieut. E. B. Hubbard, Second 
Artillery. 

After' organization the Board adjourned to April 12, 
at 11 o'clock a. m., to give opportunity to the Quarter- 
master-General to present to them specimens of horse 
and mule shoes ordered for examination and report. 

E. B. HUBBARD, 
First Lieutenant Second Artillery^ Recorder. 



Washington, D. G., 
A'pril 12, 1878—11 o'clock a. m. 
The Board met pursuant to the foregoing adjournment. 
Present, all the members. 

There being no business before it, as no shoes have 
yet been submitted by the Quartermaster-General, the 
Board then, at 3.30 o'clock p. m., adjourned to meet to- 
morrow, the 13th instant, at 11 o'clock a. m. 

E. B. HUBBARD, 
First Lieutenant Second Artillery^ Recorder. 



Washington, D. C, 
April 13, 1878 — 11 o'clock a. m. 
The Board met pursuant to adjournment. Present, aU 
the members. 

The Quartermaster-General not having the samples of 
horse and mule shoes ready for presentation, the Board 
then, at 2.30 p. m., adjourned to meet Monday, the 15th 
instant, at 12 o'clock m. 

E. B. HUBBARD, 
First Lieutenant Second Artillery^ Recorder. 



Washington, D. C, Ainil 15, 1878. 

The Board met pursuant to aclj ournment. Present, all 
the members. 

A letter dated April 12, and received by the Board 
April 15, 1878, from the Quartermaster- General United 
States Army, together with the following enumerated 
samples of liorse and mule shoes : 

1. Howard's Patent Horse shoe. Two samples, and the 
papers 223 and 1281, Q. M. G. O. 1878, relating thereto. 

2. lOernan's Patent Horse and Mule shoes. Twenty- 
three samples, and the papers 4024 (four inclosures) and 
5685, Q. M. G. O., 1877 and 187, Q. M. G. O., 1878 (one 
inclosure), relating thereto. 

3. Shoenberger '^Eoadster " Pattern Horse shoes. Ten 
samples, and the papers 154G, Q. M. G. O., 1878 (one in- 
closure), relating thereto. 

4. Seeley Horse shoes, manufactured by the Rhode 
Island Horse Shoe Company and supplied by the Good- 
enough Horse Shoe Company, Kew York City. Tw^o 
samples, and the papers 4362 (one enclosure), and 5077, 
Q. M. G. O., 1877, and memorandum report of Captain 
Eockwell, depot quartermaster in this city, relative to the 
horse shoes used on the horses of the Washington and 
Georgetown Eailroad. 

For copies of these letters and report above mentioned, 
see pages 29 to 53, inclusive, of file marked A, accom- 
X^anying this report. 

The foregoing samples of horse and mule shoes bemg 
before the Board, the Board, in view of the restrictions in 
the order of their convocation, addressed by their Presi- 
dent a communication to the Quartermaster-General 
United States Army requesting that they be furnished 
a copy of the proceedings of the Board of Officers held m 
Philadelphia, and referred to in General Orders ^o. 7, 
1876, Adjutant-Generars Office, so far as it relates to the 
discussion of horse and mule shoes. 

Pending the receipt of this communication the Board 
then, at 4 o'clock p. m., adjoiumed to meet to-morrow, the 
16th instant, at 11 o'clock a. m. 

E. B. HUBBAED, 
First Lieutenant Second Artillery, Recorder. 



8 

Washington, D. C, 
April IG, 1878 — 11 o'clock a. in. 

The Board met pursuant to adjournment. Present, 
all the members. 

The Board then i^roceeded to the examination of the 
Howard Malleable and Cast-iron Shoe, and made a 
practical test of the shoeing of liorses with these shoes. 

Tlie Board also practically tested the malleability of 
the cast iron contained in them with the following result : 
Under the hammer only a slight change of form was 
found could be eifected without producing fracture. In 
the vise it was fouud the heels could be compressed or 
expanded to a coiisiderable extent without fracture, but 
in a compression of the heels was found to alter the 
plane of the shoe somewhat, and owing to its width, and 
the yielding being confined to the toe as an axis of com- 
pression, to lessen the width in order to fit a foot would 
likely cause the heels of the shoe to interfere with the 
frog. 

In other words, the shoe as presented cannot be well 
made to fit the foot and to be of practicable use. Shoes 
of this pattern would have to be made of sizes numerous 
enough to conform to the varied forms and sizes of the 
hoofs (properly prepared for the shoeing) of any ani- 
mals. 

No mule-shoes of this pattern have been submitted to 
the Board. The Board found at the corral of the Quarter- 
master's Department specimens of this shoe that had 
been worn by animals in daily use. Though no exact 
date was or could be then obtained as to the length of 
time they had been on the animals, they were well worn, 
and still showed the tarred rope as retaining its position 
in the shoe. Its raerits as to preventing shock, &c., were 
much decreased by its having become dry and hard with 
gravel, sand, &c., ground into it by travel. One shoe 
examined had worn to a feather thinness on one side, 
while the other side of the same shoe retained nearly its 
original thickness 5 this effect may liave been i)roduced 
by the horse's peculiar action. A shoe which had been 
compressed (and slightly cracked, though not broken, in 



slioeing a liorse) was seen. It had been on the animal 
but one day when one-half was lost, carrying* with it the 
rope of the whole sJioe, and leaving on the animal but the 
other half of the cast-iron shell, Avliich, in tliat condition, 
was much worse on the horse than half of a simple horse- 
shoe AA^ould have been. The shoe as tested under the 
hammer showed that manner of altering its form could 
not safety be resorted to. 

It seems evident that to make any safe change in the 
form of this shoe, and so far as we were enabled to do it 
from means at hand, even this was confined to compress- 
ing and expanding the heels, that a vise is necessary or 
some similarly acting tool. In its present form we be- 
lieve that it would be very difticult to put it on horses 
unless they have good, perfect hoofs. 

The animals on whicli the Board experimented had 
almost exceptionally line feet. The nail-holes in the 
samples of shoes before the Board are all so made that 
difficulty arises in making the shoes hold, the nail not 
taking firm enough hold on the hoof. 

The Board then, at 4 o'clock p. m., adjourned to meet 
to-morrow, the 17th instant, at 11 o'clock a. m. 

E. B. HUBBAED, 
First Lieutenant Second Artillery^ Recorder. 



Washington, D. C, Aiyril 17, 1878. 

The Board met pursuant to the foregoing adjoiu'nment. 
Present, all the members. 

The Board, after discussion upon the Howard Shoe, 
proceeded to the office of the president of the Washing- 
ton and Georgeto^ni Eailroad, they having been informed 
that some of "the patented shoes presented to them had 
been in use on the horses of that railroad, and believing 
that such experience would be of great value to them. 
(It is interesting in this connection to note the fact that 
the route of this road is paved with cobble-stones, i. e., 
between the rails wliere the horses travel.) The presi- 
dent, Mr. Hurt, accompanied the Board to the shoeing- 



10 

shops of his company. Stated to them that none of the 
shoes were now used on his road, but gave their experi- 
ence in the use of tlie Goodenough and Seeley systems. 

The former, after long trial by them, had been utterly 
discarded, as had the latter after shorter trial. The com- 
pany, however, gave up the Seeley Shoe, not from any 
positive defects so much as exorbitant cost, an increase 
of 25 per cent, having recently been demanded by the 
manufacturers. 

The Board then, at 4 o'clock p. m., adjourned to meet 
to-morroA\^, the 18th instant, at 11 o'clock a. m. 

E. B. HUBBARD, 
First Lieutenant Second Artillery, Recorder, 



Washington, D. C, April 18, 1878. 

The Board met pursuant to adjournment. Present, all 
the members. 

The Board, after some discussion upon the various shoes 
before it, proceeded to the smithery of the Metropolitan 
street railroad. This company use the Seeley Shoe ex- 
clusively, and on their route the animals average seven- 
teen miles daily over a nearly continuous cobblestone 
roadway. 

The Seeley Shoe used bv tliem is the Plane pattern 
(4362, Q. M. G. O., 1877).'^ The superintendent of this 
railway showed the Board the shoes in use, and those 
worn oat, and from his practical experience with it since 
last July on more than 200 horses, gives it his most un- 
qualified approval. Their method is to put on the shoe 
cold, with all changes made except calks and toes in 
same state; they need only turning up at the heel and 
welding on steel toes to make a winter shoe. No toes 
or calks are used save in winter service, &c. All old 
shoes examined gave evidence of very e^^en wear and 
excellent lasting quality, and are so i^ut on as to allow 
^'frog pressure." The shoes used by this company have 
shown uniformly good quality of material. The only 



11 

objection urged by tlie railroad company to tlie slioe is 
a recent increase of 25 per cent, in their cost. 

Tlie Board then, at 3 o'clock p. m., adjourned to meet 
to-morro\Yj the 19th instant, at 11 o'clock a. m. 

E. B. HUBBAED, 
First Lieutenant Second ArtUlery^ Recorder. 



Washington, D. C, 
April 19, 1878 — 11 o'clock a. m. 

The Board met pursuant to adjournment. Present, 
all the members. 

The Board then proceeded to the examination and 
criticism of the Kiernan Shoe. This shoe is a con- 
tinuous calk of steel, as per pattern and letters in 
Q. M. a. O., ]S'os. 4021 (four inclosures), 5685 (1877), 
187 (1878). Of the samples submitted, all are hand- 
made cast-steel shoes. It is proposed by Kiernan to 
have them of crucible steel, at a cost of 13 cents per 
pound. 

Pending continued practical tests of the Howard Shoe, 
and the shoeing of some animals with the Kiernan Shoe 
from samples of shoes furnished the depot quartermaster 
in this city (the Board only having been furnished a 
single sample of the Seeley Cast-steel Winter Shoe, 
wrote a communication to the Quartermaster-General 
for two sets of said shoes). The Board then, at 2.30 
o'clock p. m., adjoiu-ned, to meet Monday, the 22d 
instant, at 11 o'clock a. m. 

E. B. HUBBAED, 
First Lieutenant Second Artillery^ Eecorder. 



Washington, D. C, 
April 22, 1878 — 11 o'clock a. m. 
The Board met pursuant to adjournment. Present, 
all the members. 

The Board continued the examination of the Kiernan 
Shoe. The following i^apers relating to the Howard 
Shoe were received from the Quartermaster-General 



12 

and considered by the Board, viz : Letter from Marcus 
J. Wright & Co., Saint Louis, Mo., to the Quartermaster- 
General, dated January 19, 1878, stating advantages 
they claim for the Howard Improved Horseshoe ; letter 
from Oapt. A.F. Kockwell, A. Q. M., depot quartermaster, 
Washington, D. C, to the Quartermaster-General, dated 
April 17, 1878, giving results of trial of the Howard 
Shoe and his o]union of its merits ; letter from James 
Bushman, veterinary surgeon at quartermaster's depot, 
to Captain Kockwell, A. Q. M., in charge, dated Ai)ril 
15, 1878, giving results of trial of some Howard Patent 
Horseslioes, and making criticisms on the same. 

For copies of the above- mentioned letters and reports, 
see pages 13, 17, and 19 of file marked A, accompanying 
this report. 

The Board not having received any reply to their com- 
munication to the Quartermaster- General in regard to 
the Seeley Cast-steel Winter Shoes, nor received the 
shoes, adjourned to meet at 11 o'clock a m. to-morrow, 
the 23d instant. 

E. B. HUBBAED, 
First Lieutenant Second Artillery^ Recorder. 



Washington, D. C, 
Aiwil 23, 1878 — 11 o'clock a. m. 
The Board met i)ursuant to adjournment. Present, 
all the members. 

The Board not having yet been furnished with the 
Seeley Shoes from the Quartermaster's Department, 
visited tlie Quartermaster-General's Office, and made 
arrangements to have those shoes sent to Captain Ham- 
ilton at the arsenal, to be put on horses there. The 
Board also asked for a copy of the report of Col. H. C. 
Hodges, deputy quartermaster-general. 

The Board then, at 3 o'clock p. m., adjourned (pending 
trial of shoes already on animals under observations of 
the Board) to meet Friday, May 3, at 12 o'clock m. 

E. B. HUBBAED, 
First Lieutenant Second Artillery^ Recorder. 



13 

Washington, D. C, 

Maij 3, 1878—12 o'clock m. 

The Board met, pursuant to adjournment of the 23d 
ultimo, at 12 o'clock m. Present, all the members. 

The Board then proceeded with the discussion of the 
Kiernan Shoe. The shoes of this pattern used by the 
Board in their experiments were received from the depot 
quartermaster in AYashington. The shoes of two ani- 
mals shod with these shoes were examined after ten 
days' use. The continuous calk, the vital principle of 
the shoe, had in nearly all these shoes been worn nearly 
down in that short time. 

About a keg' of these shoes have been used by the 
depot quartermaster, and the testimony of those in 
charge and the smith's is, that this continuous calk has 
only lasted from ten to twelve days ! 

This Board, in view of the high testimonials submitted 
for this shoe, do not feel justilied in its condemnation* 
The samples furnished the Board did not meet the claims 
of the inventor, and did not wear better than a com- 
mon shoe, nor do we find any other advantages as claimed. 
The form of this shoe can only be changed when the shoe 
is '^ cherry red." 

If, as is claimed by the inventor, that the toe of this 
shoe has to be hardened (temi)ered) upon application, it 
fails in the great desideratum of a iield-shoe, cold ai)i)lica- 
tion. Owing to the high testimonials already referred to, 
the Board would respectfully recommend further trial 
(under specihc directions from tlie inventor, as to harden- 
ing, &c.), at some appropriate depot. 

The Board are willing to think (from examination of 
shoes of this pattern from Saint Louis depot, which were 
labeled and said to have undergone certain long and hard 
usage, and stood so much better than accompanying com- 
petitive specimens) that possibly the shoes of this pat- 
tern used by the Quartermaster's Department in this city 
had not been hardened to the extent desired by the in- 
ventor. 

The Board then, at 3.30 p. m., adjourned to meet to- 
morrow, the 4th instant, at 10.30 o'clock a. m. 

E. B. HUBBABD, 
First Lieutenant Second Artillery^ Recorder. 



14 

Washington, D. C.^ 

Maij 4, 1878—10.30 a. m. 

The Board met pursuant to adjournment. Present, 
all tlie members. 

The Board, continuing their discussion of the business 
before it, are of the opinion, in regard to the Howard 
Patent Horse shoe, that their durability, when put on 
without change of original form, is unquestioned. While, 
as is claimed, the advantage in not '^ pricking" the feet 
when shod with this shoe is gained, a corresponding dis- 
advantage is apparent in the insecurity of hold. 

Yv^e are not satisfied, from such trials as w^ere in our 
power to make, tliat this shoe is useful when widened 
or conqn^essed (and these are the only changes it admits 
of), and hence do not deem it a desirable shoe for fron- 
tier service. 

The fact is, the shoe is only adapted to a foot that the 
sizes perfectly fit, and to a hoof not splintered nor full 
of nail-holes, as is frequently the case. 

The shoe admits of no other change than a very slight 
widening or a similar compression ; and these changes 
are made by the vise (the inventors state they are pre- 
paring a machine for its change of form) at the risk of 
cracking the shoe, when it, being of cast iron, is useless. 
No information concerning the cost of these shoes (and 
it seems quite an important consideration) is before the 
Board. Ten different sizes of shoes are proposed to be 
furnished by this company (five for round and five for 
elongated feet). 

SHOENBERaER '^ROxiDSTER." 

The Shoenberger " Eoadster" Shoe is a lighter pat- 
tern than the shoe of this company recommended by the 
Philadelphia Board for Army use. 

SEELEY '^ CAST-STEEL WINTER SHOE." 

The " Seeley Oast-steel AVinter Shoe" was not tested, 
the samples furnislied being too small for any available 
animals, and the season not being appropriate. 



15 
SEELEY PLAIN SHOE. 

The Seeley Plain Shoe has received the close attention 
of the Board, and they have received mnch practical 
information concerning it from varions sources, and all 
of a commendatory character. The quality of all exam- 
ined and heard from has heen uniformly good. This 
shoe possesses the prime advantage of being api^lied 
cold ; has no peculiarities of form other than being a 
most shapely and well made article. 

The Board give this shoe their unqualified approval, 
and respectfully call attention of the dei>artment to its 
great simplicity, durability and facile application. They 
believe it to be a capital shoe ioT Army use. The Board, 
in this connection, of coiu-se, anticipate the present high 
standard of iron being maintained. 

The Board then (pending the receipt of other shoes 
from the Quartermaster-General) adjourned at 12.30 
o'clock p. m., to meet at the call of the President. 

E. B. HUBBx^KD, 
Fivfit Lieutenant Second Artillery^ Recorder. 



WASHmciTON, D. 0., May 21, 1878. 

The Board met pursuant to adjournment, at the caU 
of the President, at 12 o'clock m. Present, all the 
members. 

The President then laid before the Board two letters 
of dates respectively May 16 and May 20, 1878, received 
from the Quartermaster- General (for copies of these let- 
ters s.ee pages 62 and 63, of file marked A accompany- 
ing this report) inclosing paj^ers marked 2260 Quarter- 
master-General's Ofiice, received April 24, 1878, two 
inclosures (2, 2260 and 3, 2260) and 2603 Quartermaster- 
General's Oftice, received May 16, 1878, (one inclosure 
marked ''File with 2603, 1878"), and also three sets of 
Henry C. McCeney's Patent Horse shoes, and one set of 
Mule-shoes, and twelve samples John D. Billings's Ma- 
chine-rolled Horseshoes, and a sample of which made. 



16 

There being no animals aA^ailable for the trial of these 
shoes, the Board addressed by the President a letter to 
the Quartermaster- General, asking for animals on which 
to make trials of these shoes, of which the following is 
a copy : 

Washington Arsenal, 
WasUngton, D. C, May 21, 1878. 
Sir: I have the honor to request that faeilities he granted the 
Board on Horse and Mule Shoes, now in session in this city, pursu- 
ant to S. O. No. 71, Headquarters of the Army, A. G. O., April 5, 
1878, for testing practical ly on government animals the various 
additional patterns of shoes which are now being prej)ared for 
submission to the Board. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant. 

F. B. HAMILTON, 
Captain Second Artillery, President of the Board. 
Quartermaster-General U. S. A., 

Washington, D. C. 

Pending an answer to the foregoing letter, the Board 
then, at 3 o'clock p. m., adjourned to meet at the call of 
the President. 

E. B, HUBBARD, 
First Lieutenant Second Artillery^ Recorder, 



Fort McHenry, Md., June 10, 1878. 
The Board met at the call of the President, and pur- 
suant to the following special order : 

[Special Orders Xo. 122. J 

Headquarters of the Army, 

Adjutant General's Office-, 

Washington , June 6, 1878. 

[Extract.] 



3. With the approval of the Secretary of War, the Board of officers 
appointed by paragraph 9 Special Orders No. 71, April 5, 1878, from 
this office, noAv in session in this city, is authorized to proceed to 
Fort McHenry, Md., for the purpose of testing, practically, certain 



17 

patterns of liorse shoes on tlie liorses of Light Battery A, Second 
Artillery, stationed at that i^ost. On the completion of this duty 
the Board will resume its present station. 

By command of General Sherman. 

E. D. TOWXSEND, 

Adjutant- General, 
Official : 

R. C. Drum, 

Assistant Adjutant-General. 

Present, Capt. F.B. Hamilton, Second Artillery ; Oapt. 
J. G-. Eamsay, Second Artillery j First Lieut. E. B. Hub- 
bard, Second Artillery. 

The Board tlien jn-oceeded to the further examination 
of the Howard Patent Horseshoe and also the McCeney 
Non-interfering Horse and Mule Shoe, and John D. Bil- 
lings's Patent Machine-rolled Horse shoe. The inventor 
of the latter shoe having had exi)ressed a desire to be pres- 
ent at the first shoeing of horses with his shoes, and 
having been notified by the Quartermaster- General that 
the Board would meet this day, appeared in the morn- 
ing with an assortment of shoes, and a special nail with 
which to put them on. All the members of the Board 
were not then present. However, he superintended the 
shoeing of one horse in the presence of one member of 
the Board and gave the smith special instruction in 
regard to driving the nails, which, he said, was all he 
cared to speak about. He noticed that the rounded part 
of the shoe upon which the heel is intended to rest had 
to be cut off to prevent interference Avith the frog. 

The Board, after making selections of horses to be shod, 
and having witnessed the shoeing of some of them, 
adjourned to meet from time to time, until all the shoes 
had had a satisfactory trial. 

E. B. HUBBARD, 
First Lieutenant Second Artillery^ Recorder. 



Fort McHenry, Md., July 16, 1878. 
The Board being in session in i3ursuance of S. O. I^o. 
122, paragraphs. War Department, A. G-. O., June 6, 1878, 
submit the following additional report on the Howard 
2 H s 



18 

Patent Horse slioe, imd also tlieir conclusions in regard 
to the McOene^' ]S^on-interfering Shoe, and John D. Bil- 
lings's Patent Machine-rolled Horse shoes, as follows: 

HOWAKD PATENT HORSESHOES. 

Shoes of this pattern ha^dng been one month in ordi- 
nary use (and by no means subjected to any severe test) 
seem nearly as new — their lasting qualities being, as 
before said, unquestioned. Shoes that have conformed to 
sliaije of hoofs of animals slwcl have proved of good and 
effective service ability. 

This shoe, in the opinion of the Board, may well be 
used for draught animals at depots, but they do not 
regard it as applicable (with the sizes now furnished) as 
adaptable to either cavalry or mounted artillery. 

No mule shoes of this pattern were submitted to the 
Board. 

m'ceney shoe.* 

The Non-interfering Shoe submitted by McOeney was 
examined by the Board. No animals needing this treat- 
ment were available for experiment. The shoe was not 
practically tested. The shoe, however, combines the 
features of non-interfering shoes in common use, and, 
having an iron shoe susceptible of change in form, ai)pears 
to be an excellent shoe for animals needing si)ecial care 
in their shoeing to prevent interference. 

BILLINGS PATENT CONTINUOUS CALK MACHINE-ROLLED 
HOESESHOE. 

On account of the width of the bearing surface of the 
shoe at the heels and the consequent interference mth 
the frog, it was found necessary in almost every case 
where the shoe was applied to cut off the curved ends. 
Great difiiculty Avas found in making a good cliuch, the 
high calk interfering with the hammer. The inventor 
claims this difficulty can be obviated by using an L- 
shaped tool, but none was furnished the board and none 
was attainable. Especial care was taken, however, by 
the smith in fitting and clinching ; yet in almost every 
instance of horses shod with this shoe the shoe loosened 



19 

after short usage. It would seem that the nails, not 
bearing on the ground, and being at all times subject to 
a loosening i^rocess by the action of the shoe in twist- 
ing, climbing, and holding back, are apt to become loose. 
With the shoes furnished the Board, the continuous calk, 
the special feature of this shoe, did not liave a life more 
than equal to a good quality of smooth shoe. The shoe 
when the calk is worn down becomes but a plate. In 
clayey ground this shoe fills and stuffs badly, and in 
winter it would be likely to clog easily. In cases where 
the shoe did not accurately fit the animal much difficulty 
was found in fitting the shoe on account of its pecuUar 
form. 

The shoe is not only not readily applied by the ordi- 
nary smith, but requires great pains, much time, and 
labor. 

The Board do not regard this shoe adapted for Army 
purposes. 

Testimonials in favor of the Howard Patent Horse- 
shoe and of John D. Billings's Patent Machine-rolled 
Horseshoe from various sources are appended as they 
were sent by the inventors to the Board. (See files B 
and 0, respectively.) 

The Board, having completed its duties at this post, 
adjourned, in compliance with IV^regoing order, to meet at 
Washington, D. 0., July 18, 1878. 

E. B. HUBBAED, 
First Lieutenant Second Artillery^ Recorder, 



WASHiNaTON, D. C, Juhj 18, 1878. 
The Board met pursuant to adjournment. Present, all 
the members. 

The Board, having comi)leted its labors, adjourned 
sine die. 

F. B. HAMILTO]^^, 
Captain Second ArtiUery, President. 
J. GALES EAMSAY, 

Captain Second Artillery. 
E. B. HUBBAED, 
First Lieutenant Second Artillery, Eecorder. 



20 



COPIES OF LETTEES, PAPEES, ETC., EEFEEEED 
BY THE QUAETEEMASTEE-GEIs^EEAL, U. S. 

A., TO THE BOAED O^ HOESE AND MULE 
SHOES. 

War Department, 
Quartermaster-General's Office, 

Washington, D. C, Anril 12, 1878. 

Captain : Your letter of tliis date, informing tliis office that the 
Board of Officers appointed to meet in this city on the 11th instant 
to examine and report upon patterns of horse and mule shoes to he 
submitted to it by the Quartermaster-General is now in session, is 
received. 

I submit to the Board the following-mentioned patterns of horse 
and mule shoes, and papers connected there with, now in this office: 

Howard's Patent Horseshoe, two samples, and the papers 223 
and 1281, Q. M. G. O., 1878, relating thereto. 

Kiernan's Patent Horse and Mule Shoes, twenty-three samples, 
and the papers 4024 (4 inclosures) and 5685, Q. M.'G. O., 1877, and 
187, Q. M. G. O., 1878 (inclosure), relating thereto. This shoe was 
recommended for trial by First Lieut. S. L. Woodward, Tenth Cav- 
alry, A. A. Q. M. at Saint Louis Barracks, Mo., in his annual report 
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1877. 

Shoenberger & Co.'s '' Roadster" Pattern Horseshoes, ten sam- 
ples, and the papers 1546, Q. M. G. O., 1878 (1 inclosure), relating 
thereto. 

" Seeley's " Horseshoes, manufactured by the Rhode Island Horse- 
shoe Company, and supplied by the Goodenoiigh Horseshoe Com- 
panj^. New York City, two samples, and the i)apers 4362 (1 inclos- 
ure), and 5077, Q. M. G. O., 1877, and memorandum report of Cap- 
tain Rockwell, depot quartermaster in this city, relative to the 
horseshoes used on the horses of the Washington and Georgetown 
Railway. 

The Howard Shoe is now being tried by the dexiot cxuarterm aster in 
this city. 

A small invoice of Kiernan Shoes have also been ordered shipped 
to the depot quartermaster in this city for trial. 

These are all the patterns of horse and mule shoes, and papers 



21 

pertaiuing thereto, vriiiclithis oifice is now ready to lay before the 
Board for its examination and consideration. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

M. C. MEIGS, 
Quartermaster- General, Bvt. Maj. Genl., U. S. A. 
Capt. r. B. Hamilton, Second Artillery, 

President Board on Horse and Mule SJioes, 

Washington, D. C. 

2026, Q. M. G. 0., 1878, filed with 1174, Q. M. G. 0, 1877 (16 in- 
-closures). 

A true copy : 

J. Gales Eamsay, 

Captain Second ArtiUery. 

Note. — The letters patent in case of Howard Horseshoe is No. 
200301, dated February 12, 1878. 



[Marked 223 (Q. M. G. 0., Jan'y 14), 1878.] 

Northeast Corner of Fourth and 

Market Streets, Room 42, 

Saint Louis, January 8, 1878. 
Sir: These shoes are put on cold — no fire — consequently no burn- 
ing of the horse's hoofs. If wished to be expanded or contracted, 
do so in a vise. We have six difterent sizes ; these herewith in- 
closed are No. 4 size, and will tit a good-sized hoof. The horse- 
shoer has only to trim the hoof smooth and nail the shoes on same 
as ordinary shoe. 

This shoe prevents a horse fro2n slipping, forms a cushion on the 
ground (by the tar rope in cavity), thereby saving the horse from 
being stove up. The horse on a hard road goes as easy as on a soft 
one: there are no heels, thus giving the natural play to the foot, 
which is observed in a state of nature ; absence of fire prevents 
anything like splitting the hoof. These shoes wear longer than the 
ordinary shoe, are as cheap, and a firm protection to the hoof. 

We have numerous testimonials from horseshoers, livery-stable 
men, contractors, and others, all of whom have tested the shoe and 
pronounce them the best they have ever tried, and do more than I 
claim for them. 

Very respectfully, 

JAMES R. HOWARD, 

Inventor. 
A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second ArtiUery, 



22 

[Marked 415, Q. M. G. O. Eec'd Jan'y 23d, 1878.] 

Saint Louis, January 19, 1878. 

Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge recei]>t of your letter of 
Jannary 15, and to state that we claim the following-named advan- 
tages for the Howard Improved Horseshoe over any horseshoes no-w- 
in use. 

That being made of best malleable iron, that they have more 
strength and malleability than any other shoe. They are put on with- 
out heat, and consequently the hoof is not injured by burning. 

The rope with which they are filled, and which will wear with 
the iron, prevents the horse from slipping, and forms an elastic 
cushion, preventing tender foot, sprains, and what is known as be- 
ing ''stove up." They are a protection against ''counter cracks" 
in the hoof, and do not slip or move until worn out ; they are ex- 
actly level, giving play to the foot, without contraction or irregu- 
larity. They will wear longer than the ordinary shoes, and are 
always ready to be put on, being fitted and sized in six difierent sizes, 
for both fore and hind feet, and will fit closely and correctly any- 
horse not having a malformation of the hoof. Their use in the 
Army would obviate the use of forges on long marches, as any man 
with a knife and hammer can put on or take ofi" the shoes. We 
are having a number of sets of them prepared to be sent you for 
trial, and it is quite probable that I will visit Washington about 
the 1st of February, in which event I shall bring the shoes with 
me, and will have the honor of seeing you in jjerson in regard to 
the matter. 

I am entirely confident, from tests we have made of these shoes, 
that they are admirably suited for the Army, and that a trial of 
them will be quite satisfactory. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, vour obedient servant, 

MARCUS J. WRIGHT 

General M. C. Meigs, 

Quartermaster-General, Washington, I). C. 

(Reply to 5518, Q. M. G. O., 1877.) 

A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 



[First indorsement.] 

War Department, 
Quartermaster-General's Office, 

Washington, February 15, 1878. 
Respectfully referred, by direction of the Quartermaster-General, 
to Capt. A. F. Rockwell, A. Q. M., U. S. A., depot quartermaster 



23 

in tliis city, for trial of the horseshoes (accompanying) in use, and 
report as to their merits with return of this paper. 

HENRY C. HODGES, 
Depuiy Quartermaster- General, U. S. A. 

A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 



fMarked (2140) Q. M. G-. O. Eec'd Ap'l 17th, 1878.] 

Depot Quartermaster's Office, 

Washington, D. C, April 17, 1878. 

General : I have the honor to return lierewitli letter of Marcus 
J. Wright & Co., referred to me from your office on the 15th of 
February last, for trial of the shoe accomj)auying, and tosubroit the 
following report pertaining thereto : 

The shoe has had a fair trial and its merits and faults have been 
fully considered ; I think it a good shoe for use in connection with 
other shoes. 

The size and shape of horses' feet vary, and on some animals 
this shoe could not be used, from the fact of its being too wide in 
the toe and shoulder, and as it could not be compressed was useless. 
Where the shoe fitted the hoof exactly, good service was attained, 
and I was surprised at their durability, which exceeded that of the 
ordinary shoe by about one-fourth. On the concrete pavements of 
this city, it is especially useful to prevent slipping. 

No shoe should in my judgment be adopted for general use that 
requires the foot to be 'fitted to the shoe. The opposite is the de- 
sideratum. I should like some of these shoes for use (with other 
shoes) in the blacksmith shop at this depot. 

The report of the veterinary surgeon, who has given much atten- 
tion to this subject, is submitted herewith. 

Very respectfullv, voiu' obedient servant, 

A. F. ROCKWELL, 

Depot Quartermaster. 

To the Quartermaster-General of the Army. 

A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Cajytain Second Artillery. 

[First iucloi-semeTit.] 

War Department, 
Quartermaster-General's Office, 

Washington, April 17, 1878. 
Respectfully referred, by direction of the Quartermaster-General, 
to Capt. F. B. Hamilton, 'Second Artillery, President of the Board 
on Horse and Mule Shoes 1700 Pennsylvania avenue, this city, for 



24 

consideration of the Board in connection with the Howard Horse- 
shoes submitted to it for examination and report. 

HENRY C. HODGES, 
Bejjuty Quartermaster-General, U. S. A. 
A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 



[Marked 2140, Q. M. Gen.'s Office. Eec'd Ap'l 17th. 1878.] 

Washington, D. C, Jj)?iZ 15, 1878. 

Sir: In February, 1878, some Howard Patent Horseshoes were 
sent to the corral for trial. They have had a fair test with other 
shoes; as they are cast and cannot he altered in shape, a large 
variety of sizes would be necessary to bring them into general use. 

The small number used here have been put on horses selected 
because their feet fitted the shoes we had. Great care was to be 
exercised in this regard, for if the foot has to be made to fit the 
shoe, that would be a serious objection to any horseshoe. The 
toe-chp is too thick. They are of about equal weight with the 
ordinary shoe, but are wider and thicker, aud consequently need 
more or larger nails and deeper holes. When carefully put on 
horses with good feet they wear well, and seem to be eminently 
adapted to a certain damp, slippery condition of the concrete pave- 
ments in this city. I cannot say how they may do in winter ; that 
would have to be determined at that season. I do not know how 
they compare in price with other shoes ; that is an important con- 
sideration. 

In conclusion, I have the honor to rej)ort that whilst I do not 
consider the Howard Patent Horseshoe adapted to supplant the 
ordinary shoe, I do think they would be a useful adjunct in the 
blacksmith shops here. 

I am, sir, yours, very resi)ectfully, 

JAS. BUSHMAN, 
Veterinary Surgeon. 

Colonel Rockwell, 

Bejyot Quartermaster. 

A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 



[Marked (4024) Q. M. G. O. Rec'd Sept. 13, 1877.] 

Saint Louis Barracks, IVlo., 

August 21, 1877. 
Sir: In compliance with instructions from your office, I liave 
furnished samples of my improved Continuous Calk Horseshoe, and 



25 

also some of the otlier manufacture, sliovriug the differeuce in the 
wear of each, which will give an idea of the advantages to he de- 
rived from the use of my shoe. 

Having had eighteen years' ]iractical experience as a farrier, I 
am enahled to claim the following advantages for my shoe over all 
others, viz: 

1st. The shoe allows a horse to rest his weight equally on his 
entire surface, preventing corns, &c., and protects and supports 
the concave or pumiced sole surface of the hoof. 

2d. Duralnlity is given to the shoe hy the large toe-piece, which 
on first application of the shoe the smith should harden, and thus 
prevent the wear of the continuous calk, the wear being always 
greater on the toe than on the quarters. 

3d. By use of the continuous calk, the walls of the hoof are pro- 
tected while traveling over any kind of rough surface, and the 
bearing being on the inside of each quarter it will tend to expand 
contracted hoofs, and also protect the frog by allowing free ex- 
pansion. 

4th. For winter use the toe-piece should be beveled at the front 
side to form a sharp calk, and thus prevent slipping, but still have 
enough metal to prevent wear. 

5th. By the use of my shoe cavalry going on a scout of three or 
four months will only be obliged to carry with them a quantity of 
nails, whereas now they are required to carry a supply of shoes, as 
it will be seen by my samples that my shoe will last a horse for four 
months, or at the hardest wear but four pair a year, Avhile those of 
other manufacture are required to be replaced every month. It will 
thus be plainly seen that by casting my shoe in steel it will repay 
in a very short time the small additional outlay they require. 

6th. Possibly the greatest advantage that could be claimed for 
my shoe is, that no matter how rough the road may be the nails 
are always protected by the continuous calk, and only need rej)lac- 
ing, say, once a month, and thus prevent a loose or casting shoe 
while on the march. 

The samples of the shoe sent have been placed under the severest 
tests possible, and the result has proved entirely satisfactory. In- 
closed please find letters of testimonial from parties who have had 
the shoe in use. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, vour obedient servant, 

JOHN KIERNAN, 
Cltief Farrier, U. S. A. 

First Lieut. S. L. Woodward, 

Tenth Cavalry, A. A. Q. 21., 

Saint Louis Barracks, Mo. 

N. B. — The average price of these shoes, cast in Bessemer steel, 
will be 8 to 9 cents per pound, and are as easily applied as any other 
shoe. Please return the testimonials to me. 

A tr.ue copy : 

J. Galt:s RxVMSay, 

Captain Second ArtiUery. 



26 

Cojnes of letters testimonial. 

Saint Louis Barracks, Mo., 

Septemher 30, 1874. 
To ivhom it may concern: 

I take pleasure in recommending to your favorable notice Mr, 
Jolin Kiernan, who lias for many years lield the important position of 
cMef farrier of the cavalry depot, United States Army. He is a gen- 
tleman of good character and habits, and an excellent farrier and 
veterinary surgeon. He has invented and perfected a horseshoe 
which, after thorough trial at this depot, has proven to be superior 
to any heretofore used, and Avliich only needs to be properly intro- 
duced and made known to insure its adoption in place of any horse- 
shoe now in use. 

B. H. GRIERSON, 
Colonel Tenth Cavalry, Bvt. Maj. Gen., U. S. A, 

A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 



Disbursing Office, 
Freedman's Branch A. G. O., 

Saint Louis, Mo., July 27, 1875. 
This is to certify that John Kiernan, farrier United States Army^ 
shod a very heavy horse of mine with his patent Continuous-Calk 
Shoes on the fore feet, which were worn three months, the horse be- 
ing used to a family barouch, day after day, and averaging ten miles 
a day on the roads and streets of Saint Louis, considered a severe 
test ; said shoes are now in possession of Mr. Kiernan, a little worn 
doAvn but still lit for use. 

My horse never traveled freer or appeared more sure-footed in 
slippery places with any other shoe ; but as a matter of economy 
alone I would recommend this shoe, as all others tried by me have 
been worn out by this horse in four weeks. 

P. T. SWAINE, 
.Lieutenant-Colonel Fifteenth Infantry. 
A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 



Saint Louis Veterinary College and Hospital, 
1114 Lucas Christy Avenue, 

Saint Louis, Deceniber 1, 1875. 
To wliom it may concern : 

This is to certify that I have tried Mr. John Kiernan's Continu- 
ous-Calk Shoe, on a sorrel horse, the property of the Saint Louis 



27 

Railroad Company, who had been x^revious to using Mr. Kiernan's 
shoe nearly always lame from corns, weak feet, &c. Since shod by 
the continuous calk he has never been lame, and has worked with 
satisfiiction, traveling- an average of 22 miles daily. After using 
one pair of shoes three months they were but half worn. Mr. Kier- 
nan's shoe has with me no rival. Its natural bearings and equal 
pressure on all parts of the sole being very desirable to maintain a 
healthy condition of the feet. For economy and endurance it cer- 
tainly cannot be equaled ; in fact, too much cannot be said of its 
advantages. 

EespectfuUy, 

Dr. M. GENETY, 
Veterinary Surgeon. 

P. S. — I have also used Mr. Kiernan's patent on private horses 
with equal satisfaction. — M. G. 

Sworn to and subscribed before me, a notary public within and 
for the county of Saint Louis, State of Missouri, this 16th day of 
August, 1877. 

[SEAL.] F. A. JOHANN, 



A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Caplain Second Artillery. 



Notary Public. 



Headquarters Army of the United States, 

Saint Louis, Mo., Aprils, 1876. 
Sir : I take great pleasure to inform you that I hold your horse- 
shoe in high estimation ; I have used it on a heavy horse during 
the past year, and during that time the horse's feet have been in 
good condition, and he at all times has been ready for service. 

One peculiar excellence of your shoe is, I think, it furnishes an 
equal bearing to all points of the shell of the hoof instead of at 
three points, as in the ordinary shoe. 
Very truly, yours, 

W. D. WHIPPLE, 
Brevet Major-General, U. S. A. 
Mr. John Kierxan, 

Chief Farrier United States Army, Saint Louis, Mo. 

A true cojiy of a true copy. 
J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 



28 

Office Acting AssistajS^t Quartermaster, 

Saint Louis Barracks, Mo., Koremher {^0, 1877. 
General : Referring to your comnmnicatioii of October 4, 1877, 
in relation to John Kiernau's Coiitimious-Calk Steel Horseslioes, 
I have the lion or to state tliat tlie samples of steel shoes sent to your 
office, with one excei)tion, were made by hand, of cast steel. The ex- 
ception referred to was made of Bessemer steel, and is so labeled. 

This shoe T\^as worn two months on General Whipple's horse. 
Some of the samples sent, it will be noticed from the labels, were 
made of iron. 

Mr. Kiernan has perfected arrangements with parties in Pitts- 
burgh by which any number of shoes required can be furnished. 
It is proposed by these x^arties to manufacture them of crucible steel, 
this being considered by them as more suitable than any other ma- 
terial. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant. 

S. L. WOODWARD, 
First Lieutenant Tenth Cavalry, A. A. Q. M 

The Quartermaster-General U. S. A., 

Washington, D. C. 



A true copy 

LE 

Captain Second ArHllcry. 



J. Gales Ramsay, 



Saint Louis Barracks, Mo., 

Januarii 7, 1878. 

General : In reply to your communication of December 13, 1877, 
referred to me by Lieut. S. L. Woodward, Tenth Cavalry, acting 
assistant quartermaster at this depot, relating to my improved 
horse-shoe, I have the honor to inform you that Mr. C. Bidwell, 
proprietor of the Pittsburgh, Pa., Crucible Steel-Casting Works, 
will furnish my improved horseshoe in such quantities as the gov- 
ernment may require them at |13 per keg of 100 pounds each. 

It will be seen by the following that a saving of about one-third 
can be made by using my horse-shoe when properly applied. 

The Burden shoe per set weighs 4j^g pounds; my shoe 3 pounds 
per set; making l/^g pounds less in weight per set. One keg of 
Burden's horseshoes No. 2,100 pounds contains 22 sets. One keg 
of my horseshoes of the same weight contains 33 sets. 

I would therefore respectfully request authority to visit Wash- 
ington City, for the purjiose of showing the proper application of 
my horseshoe to the Quartermaster-General, should he order a 
supply for the depot in that city for trial. 



29 

I inclose herewith an extract from Mr. Bid^yGll's letter, dated 
January 2, 1878. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

JOHN KIERNAN, 

Chief Farrier. 
To the Quartermaster-General U. S. A., 

Washington, D. C. 
A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 



[Marked (^l^) Q. M. G. O., Jan'y 12, 1878.1 

Pittsburgh Crucible Steel-Casting Works, 

Fiitsburgh, Fa., January 2, 1878. 
Sir: * * * With reference to the price, I will furnish the 
shoes to the goverumeut for good-sized orders at 13 cents per pound 
net, and woukl he pleased to receive their orders. 

# Tf *• # * * 

Yours, &c., 

J. C. BIDWELL. 
Mr. Kierxan, 

Chief Farrier, U. S. J., Saint Louis, Mo. 

A true copy of a letter transmitted by the Quartermaster-General: 
J. Gales Ramsay, 

Cajyfain Second Artillery. 



[Marked (1546) Qr. Mr. GenTs Office. Eee'd Mar. 19, 1878.] 

Shoenberger & Co., Juniata Iron Works, 

Fittshuryh, March 18, 1878. 
Dear Sir : Our Juniata horse and mule shoes were recommended 
for the use of the government by the Board of officers that sat in 
Philadelphia two years ago. Lately we have introduced an im- 
proved shoe, which we call the '' Roadster" pattern, the merits of 
which are fully set forth in the catalogue we send you by same 
mail as this. We sent you samples by express on the 16th instant 
of this style of shoe. The iron is uniformly unexceptionable in 
quality, and we hoi)e on examination you will feel justified in 
recommending it for Army use. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

SHOENBERGER & CO. 
General M. C. Meigs, 

Quartermaster-General U. S. A., Washington, D. C. 

A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 



30 

[Marked (4362) Q. M. G. O. Eec'd Sept. 22, 1877. J 

Depot Quartermaster's Office, 

Washington, D. C, Septemlcr 21, 1877. 
General : Tlie samples of liorseslioes received from tlie Eliode 
Island Horeslioe Company, tliroiigii Mr. Augustus Seeley, have, by 
your direction, been subjected to a fair trial. In reference thereto 
I respectfully reported as follows : 

The shoe is lighter and of softer material than that of the Perkins 
or Burden manufacture. It is thickest at the toe, where subjected 
to the greatest wear. The nail-holes are more deeply countersunk 
than in any other shoe I have seen, and in the trial made the shoe 
holds its place iirnily till worn very thin, while the hoof is kept in 
a good state of preservation. It is, in my judgment, a good shoe, 
and well adapted to the public service. 

The low price at which it is offered is worthy of attention. The 
report of the veterinary surgeon* is inclosed for the information of 
the Quartermaster-General. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. F. ROCKWELL, 

Depot Quartermaster. 
To the Quartermaster-General of the Army. 

A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 



Depot Quartermaster's Corral, 

Washington , D. C, September 12, 1877. 
Sir: About two months past a keg of Seeley Horseshoes were sent 
to the corral for trial. They have had a fair test with the other 
kinds of shoes. They need little alteration in shape to fit a horse's 
foot. The quality of the iron is such that they can be fitted cold. 
The nail-holes are well countersunk, so that the shoe sticks on till 
worn out. The greatest sul^stance is where the most wear is (viz, 
at the toe). For the last two reasons, although not as heavy as 
most other machine-made shoes, they outwear them. There is no 
system of mutilating the foot attached to the use of them. The 
nails which accompanied the shoes are of good shape and quality. 
For the above reasons I have the honor t"o report that they are a 
good horseshoe. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, 

JAS. BUSHMAN, 
Veterinary Surgeon. 
Colonel Rockwell, 

Depot Quartermaster. 

A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second ArtiUery. 

'^' This is the report above referred to. 



31 

[Marked (5077) Q. M. G. O. Rec'd Oct. 31, 1877.] 

Providence, Octohe)- 30, 1877. 
Sir : Ou the lOtli of September last I sent tlirough Mr. W. S. 
Skinner, of 410 and 412 Commerce street, Philadelphia, to the United 
States Arsenal, Gray's Perry, Philadelphia, samples of Seeley horse- 
shoes and Seeley nails, for trial, and advised General J. J. Dana, as- 
sistant qnartermaster-general, Philadelphia, of the same. Will 
you please send me his report on them, and oblige, 
Yours, trulj-, 

AUGUSTUS SEELEY, 
CarePihode Island Horseslwe Comjmny, Providence, B. I. 
To General M. C. Meigs, 

Qnartennaster-General U. S. A. 

A true copy : 

J. Gales Eamsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 

[First indorsement.] 

Respectfully referred to Col. D. H. Pucker, assistant quartermas- 
ter-general, U. S. A., in charge of Philadelphia depot of the Quar- 
termaster's Department, Philadelphia, for report. 

M. C. MEIGS, 
Quartermaster General, Brevet Major-General, U. S. A. 

A true copy: 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 

[Second indorsement.] 

Respectfully referred to Maj. J. J. Dana, quartermaster, U. S. A., 
with the request that he will please furnish the report called for in 
the Quartermaster-General's i^receding indorsement. 

D. H. PUCKER, 
Assistant Quartermaster-General, U. S. A. 
A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 

[Third indorsement.] 

Quartermaster's Office, 

Philadelplua, November 3, 1877. 
Respectfully referred to Capt. John F. Rodgers, M. S. K., who 
will please report his opinion of these articles, if they have had 
sufficient trial on the public horses at Schuylkill arsenal. 

J. J. DANA, 
Major and Quartermaster, U. S. A., Clothing Depot. 
A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 



32 

[Fourth indorsement. J 

Philadelphia Depot of the 

Quartermaster's Department, 

Philadelpliia, November 5, 1877. 
Eespectfully returned to Maj. J. J. Dana, in charge clothing de- 
pot. The horseshoes referred to have been tried on the xiublic ani- 
mals of this dexjot. They appear to be a good pattern and qnality, 
but are not suited to cobblestone streets. They might prove ac- 
ceptable on macadamized or soft roads ; they are evidently designed 
for such service. 

JOHN F. RODGEES, 
Captain and M. S. K., U. S. A. 
A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Caplain Second Artillery. 

[Fiflii indorsemeiit.] 

Quartermaster's Office, 

PkUadelpMa, November 5, 1877. 
Respectfully returned to Col. D. H. Rucker, assistant quarter- 
master-general, U. S. A., inviting attention to the fourth indorse- 
ment hereon. The number of horses at this depot is insufficient for 
an extensive trial of the horseshoes referred to herein. 

An opinion of their merits can be better obtained from use in the 
mounted service. 

J. J. DANA, 
Major and Quartermaster, Bvt. Brig. Gen., U. S. A. 
A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 

[Sixtli indorsement.] 

Philadelphia Depot of 

Q uartermaster's Department, 
Philadelphia, November 6, 1877. 
Respectfully returned to the Quartermaster-General U. S. A., and 
attention invited to the indorsements hereon (the fourth and fifth) 
by Capt. John F. Rodgers, M. S. K., and Maj. J. J. Dana, quarter- 
master, U. S. A. 

D. H. RUCKER, 
Assistant Quartermaster-General, U. S. A. 
A true coi)y : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 

[Note, General Meigs, Jan. 29, 1878.] 

Mem. — Does the Washington and Georgetown Railway continue 
use of Goodenough shoe f Does it still set shoes cold ? — M. C. M. 
Colonel Rockwell. 



33 

Reply. 

General : Mr. Hurt, president Wasliiugtou and Georgetown Eail- 
way, informs me that the Goodenongli shoe was used by their com- 
pany from June 1 to October 15, 1877, when it was abandoned on 
account of dissatisfaction. I have questioned several of the drivers 
regarding the Goodenongli shoe. Their testimony was uniformly 
and emphatically unfavorable. 

The Seeley shoe and nail Avas substituted on October 15, 1877. 
Mr. Hurt reports that they give great satisfaction. The shoe is set 
cold ; it is light and durable. 

A. F. ROCKWELL. 

January 30, 1878. 

A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Vapimu Second Art'iUery. 



War Department, 
Quartermaster-General's Ofeice, 

Washington , I). C, April 'il, 1877. 
The following notes on horseshoes are respectfully comuiunicated 
as of interest to the service. 

M. C. MEIGS, 
Quartermaster-General, Brevet Major-General, U. S. A. 



War Department, 
Quarter:nla.ster-General's Office, 

Washington, I). C\, April 18, 1877. 

General: In obedience to your instructions, I proceeded on 
the 9tli instant to New York City to make inciiiiriesas to the horse- 
shoes used in that city by the various stage, street-car, and express 
companies. 

I tirst visited the ottice and shops of the Second Avenue Com- 
pany. This company uses the Goodenongli shoe. It began using 
it only a few months ago. The juesident of the company informed 
me that every director in the company was opposed to' its intro- 
duction, feeling assured the feet of the horses would be ruined, but 
he insisted upon giving it a trial, feeling himself assured it was 
better and cheaper than any other shoe. 

The iH'esident informed me that the experiment was successful; 
that the feet of the horses had iuqiroved; that all opposition to the 
shoe, on the part of the directors, had disappeared, and the direct- 
ors were now strongly in favor of it and sustained his course in 

3h s 



34 

iutroduciiig it. The i)resideut said that in the item of shoeing 
there was a savinii; to the company yearly of from $10,000 to $13,000. 
The company contracts with the Goodenongh Company to do its 
shoeing. The shoes are put on cold. I saw the Avork in operation. 
The foot was quickly prepared l)y a little cutting with a knife and 
then pared down by a rasj*. The president of the company said the 
horses were scarcely ever lame by being ''pricked" in shoeing 
since the adoption of the new system. This, if due to the sys- 
tem, is an important matter. Pricking of horses in shoeing lays a 
horse up for a long time. 

There is no doubt but what the Second Avenue line is a firm ad- 
vocate of the Goodenongh horseshoe and of the method of shoeing 
adopted by the Goodenongh Company. The president of that line 
used strong language in reference to the shoe ; that he would con- 
sider it economy to use the Goodenongh shoe and pay for it, if he 
even got the other shoes without paying for them. The company 
has about 1,125 horses at work. 

I went next to the stables of the Madison Avenue stage-line. 
This line uses the Goodenongh slioe, and has used it for some time. 
I was informed that the shoe gave entire satisfaction. Here the 
shoeing is done by the company and tire is used. The shoes are 
all provided with a toe-clij) before being put on. The object of the 
clip is to prevent the shoe from slipping, and takes off some of the 
strain from the nail. The company has some 300 horses in use. 

I then visited the stables of the Fifth Avenue stage-line. This 
line also uses the Goodenongh shoe and does its own shoeing. It 
also uses lire in shoeing, and lias the toe-clip. The overseer said 
the shoe in use gave satisfaction ; was strong and durable, and pro- 
tected well the feet of the horses. Their line has some 400 horses. 

I then visited the shops of the Sixth AA^enue Eailroad Company. 
This is one of the large companies of the city ; has some 1,300 
horses. I found in the shops nine fires. The Goodenongh shoe is 
not used at all. Both the Burden and Perkins shoes are used, 
more of the fonner than the latter. The shoes are prepared with 
clips on the side as well as on the toe. The foreman of the shop had 
decided objection to the Goodenough shoe. He said it was too 
light, not thick enough at the heel, the web not wdde enough, and 
the punching of the shoe for the nails not done at the proper places. 
He Avas strong in his condemnation of it. The shoes in use were 
much heavier than in the other shops I had visited, and looked 
more clumsy. They had both toe and heel calks. The foreman 
considered the Burden and Perkins shoes as among the best in the 
land. He also spoke favorably of the Shoenberger shoe. This shoe 
is made in Pittsburgh, Pa., and was well spoken of by the Board in 
Philadelphia which investigated the subject of horseshoes for the 
Army. 

I then went to the Broadway and Seventh Avenue Railroad shops. 
This company is a large one, employing some 1,250 to 1,300 horses. 
The superintendent went with me to the shop where the horses are 
shod. The Burden shoe is extensively used. A supply of that shoe 



3o 

had just beeu laid in, previous to wliicli the Perkins shoe had been 
in use. The price of the Burden Avas a little less than the Perkins 
which seemed to be the reason the Burden was bought. Both these 
shoes are well thought of by the superintendent. He regards them 
as the best the company could buy. He was not in favor of the 
Goodenough shoe. Had tried a few of them and did not like them. 
Had about the same objections to them that the foreman of the Sixth 
Avenue line had. The shoes used here are fitted with toe-clips and 
also side-clips. 

I then visited the shops of the Eighth Avenue line. This is a 
large company, employing from 1,100 to 1,200 horses, and runs the 
cars on the Ninth Avenue. Some of the horses on the Ninth Avenue 
are being shod with the Goodenough shoe, but the shoe in general 
use on the Eighth Avenue is the Burden. The foreman told me it 
gave him satisfaction — was strong and durable. He was not in favor 
of the Goodenough shoe. 

I then went to the office of Dodd's Express and Transfer Com- 
pany. In this company the Goodenough shoe is exclusively used. 
I was told that it had been used for a long time and was preferred 
to any other shoe. It was proved to be durable, and perfectly pro- 
tected the feet of the animals. The company has some 475 horses 
in use, and it has some heavy hauling. 

The Fourth Avenue Railroad Company was next visited. The 
Goodenough shoe is not used at all. The superintendent said to me 
that he thought well of the shoe, but the president of the company 
did not like it, and so it was not used. The superintendent thought 
that with the Goodenough shoe he could do the shoeing with eight 
men, where he is now working twelve. The shoe in use is princi- 
pally the Burden. There are some 900 horses in use. 

The Third Avenue Company does not use the Goodenough shoe. 
It prefers the Burden and Perkins. 

Adams &, Co. Express use the Goodenough shoe exclusively. It 
has a great deal of heavy hauling and employs some 200 horses. 

The American Express Company uses the Goodenough shoe ex- 
clusively, and also supplies that shoe to all its offices throughout 
the country. I think, though, the Buffalo office must be an excep- 
tion, unless the shoe has been sent there since January, 1876. At 
that time I talked with the superintendent of the company in Buf- 
falo about the Goodenough shoe, and found he did not like it ; that 
he had given it up after quite a trial. He was then using a hand- 
made shoe. I think it doubtful, however, if any company could 
afford to use, to any extent, hand- made shoes. The expense would 
be too great. 

The Belt Line Railroad in New York uses the Goodenough shoe, 
and its shoeing is done by contract. 

The Two Hundred and Thirty-sixth Street Stage Company also 
uses the Goodenough shoe, and has for some time. 

The above are the principal lines of street cars, express compa- 
nies, and stage lines in New York. There are a few other cross- 
town lines, but I did not have time to visit them ; indeed, I did 
not think it necessary to do so. 



36 

From what I saw I concluded that the Burden, Perkins, and Good- 
enough shoe has each its followers, and that each shoe has merit ; 
that the purchase of shoes for the car-lines of New York is mostly 
in the hands of the suj)erintendent and foreman of the lines, regard 
being had of course to the price, and that their likings or disliking* 
govern as a general thing; and that the action of a Board of Offi- 
cers convened at Philadelphia to investigate the subject of horse 
and mule shoes for the service, and which is published in General 
Orders No. 7, of 187tj, is wise, practical, and should be adhered to. 
Very respectfullv, vour obedient servant, 

HENRY C. HODGES, 
Dexnify Quarter masier-General, U. S. A. 
To the Quartermaster-General, U. S. A., 

JV(ishi»(/fo)i, D. C. 



The recommendations of the Board of Officers convened by para- 
graph 3, Special Orders 264, W. D., A. G. 0., December 27, 1875, in 
its report on the subject of the horseshoes and mule shoes best 
adapted for the service, which was approved by the Secretary of 
War and published in General Orders No. 7, W. D., A. G. O., of 
1876, are as follows : 

For the Cavalry service, the iron Goodenough horseshoe; also, 
when specially called for, the Burden and the Shoenberger horse- 
shoes. 

For the Artillery service, the Goodenough horseshoe, both iron 
and steel, the Burden and the Shoenberger. 

For team horses and mules, the Goodenough horseshoe, both iron 
and steel, the Burden and the Shoenberger. 

War Department, 
Quartermaster-General's Office, 

WashuHjion, April 25, 1878. 
Official : 

HENRY C. HODGES, 
Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. A. 



War Department, 
Quartermaster-General's Office, 

Washington, D. C, May 16, 1878. 

Captain : I am directed by the Quartermaster-General to inform 

you that this office has two other patterns of horseshoes to submit 

to the Board for examination and report — one the patent of John 

D. Billings — which will probably be all that will be submitted, and 



37 

to request that you advise this office when the Board will he ready- 
to receive them. 

Very respectfullv, vour ohedient servant, 

HENRY C. HODGES, 
Depiitt/ Quartermasier-GeneraJ, U. S. A. 
Capt. F. B. Hamilton, Second Artillery, 

President Board on Horse and Mule Shoes, 

TVashington Arsenal, D. C. 

(2026, Q. M. G. 0., 1878. Filed with 1174, Q. M. G. O., 1877.) 

A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second ArtiUeri/. 



War Department, 
Quartermaster-General's Office, 

Washington, 1). C, May 20, 1878. 
Captain: I am directed by theQnartermaster-General to acknowl- 
edge receipt of your letter of the IStli instant, stating that the 
Board will meet at the Washington Arsenal this date, and to sub- 
mit herewith one set of Henry C. McCeney's Patent Horseshoes 
and twelve samples of John D. Billings' Machine-rolled Horseshoes, 
and a sample of the iron of which made, together with the papers 
on file here relating to these two patterns of horseshoes, and to re- 
quest that you advise this office by bearer when the Board will be 
ready to take up for examination the Billings Horseshoe, as Mr. 
Billings, Avhose address is '265 Broadway, New York City, desires to 
be i)resent at that time and put on the shoes for a number of horses. 
Yerv respectfullv, vour obedient servant, 

HENRY C. HODGES, 
Depntj) Quartermaster-General, U. S. A. 
Capt. F. B. Hamilton, Second Artillery, 
President Board on Horse and Mule Shoes, 

IVashinffton Arsenal, Washington, D. C. 

(•2260, Q. M. G. O., 1878, 2 inclosures ; 2603, Q. M. G. O., 1878, 2 
inclosures ; 2026, Q. M. G. O., 1878, tiled with 1174, Q. M. G. O., 1877. 
See 415, of 1878, therewith.) 

A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 



38 

War Department, 
Quartermaster-General's Office, 

Washingfou, D. C, May 24, 1878. 
Captain : I am directed by the Quartermaster-General to send 
you herewitli, for the nse of the Board, two additional sets of horse- 
shoes and one set of mule shoes, the patent of Henry C. McCeney, 
the papers in regard to which were submitted to the Board by this 
ofifice, with one set of the horseshoes, on the 20th instant. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

HENRY C. HODGES, 
Deputif Quartermaster-General, U. S.'^A. 
Capt. F. B. Hamilton, Second Artillery, 

President Board on Horse and Mule Shoes, 

Washington Arsenal, Washington, D. C. 

2260, Q. M. G. O., 1878. 

A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artillery. 



[2260, Q. M. Gen.'s Office. Rec'd April 24, 1878.] 

Washington, D. C, April 23, 1878. 
Sir : I have the honor to submit for your approval one set of my 
new Non-interfering Horseshoes ; also, a copy of letters patent (No. 
199302, as rendered in the records of the United States Patent Of- 
fice) issued January 15, 1878, respectfully requesting, upon your 
approval, that you will submit the same to the Board now in ses- 
sion for the selection of a horseshoe for the United States Army, 
that they may i)raetically test its merits. "" . :.: 

I think this shoe will not only be of benefit to myself, but also to 
the United States Army. 
Respectfully, 

H. C. McCENEY, 
901 Pennsylrania Avenue, City. 
Quartermaster-General, U. S. A. 

A true copy : 

J. Gales Ramsay, 

Captain Second Artilhry, 



39 



LETTEES AXD RECOMMEXDATIOI^S. 

HOWARD'S PATENT HOESESHOE. 

Washington, D. C, July 19, 1878. 
Mr. E. B. Hubbard, 

Recorder, ^-c. ; 
I send yon some letters which I resx)eetfully request may be laid 
before the Board of Army officers of which you are recorder. One 
is from Mr. J. W. McCarty, a well-kno%yn and large contractor ; 
one from Col. E. B. Pickett, mining- engineer : one from J. H. Hayes, 
practical blacksmith ; one from William Willis, practical black- 
smith ; one from S. M. Hickey, the largest ice-dealer in Saint Louis, 
and one from Dr. S. I. Tutt, a well-known and leading physician 
of Saint Louis County. All of these persons are well known and 
men of standing, and all are iiractical men. I shall send some 
other letters in a few days. 

I shall be glad to furnish the Board with more shoes should more 
be required. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

MARCUS J. WRIGHT, 
800 Tenth Street, Northeast. 



KiRKWOOD, June 14, 1878. 
Dear Sir: My horse was shod about 20tli November, 1877, with 
the shoes known as the Howard Improved Shoe, and although the 
horse *vas in constant use, they remained on, entire, for a x^eriod of 
over three months, giving great comfort to his feet, the condition 
of which had always been a difficulty before that. I consider it 
the best shoe, in every respect, I ever saw, and believe it will not 
fail to supersede the kind now in use. 
Very respectfully, 

S. I. TUTT, M. D. 
Colonel Howard. 

I am still using the shoe, and expect to do so, so long as it is as con- 
venient, or even less so, to obtain them as the common shoe. 



OriicE OF S. M. Hickey & Co., 

WiioLi:sALE Ice Dealers, 

Saint Louis, June 15, 1878. 
Dear Sir : Yours at hand making inquiry as to how your im- 
proved horseshoe worked on our horse, &c. I have no hesitation 



40 

in saying that I think them the best shoe I ever saw. We have 
used them on a pair of driving horses, and they worked splendidly; 
they are less liable to slip with your shoes than any other that 
we have used, and seem to be very easy and a good wearing shoe. 
The rope in the cavity seems to act as a cushion and furnishes elas- 
ticity. I think it almost impossible to improve on them. We in- 
tend to use them on all of our horses in future. 
Yours, truly, &c., 

S. M. HICKEY. 
J. K. Howard, Esq. 



Horse-Shoeixg Establishment, 
1603 Market Street, Saint Louis, June 16, 1878. 
Mr. Howard: I have tried your Patent Shoe on three of my 
customer's horses ; they have given entire satisfaction in every way. 
They give the horse a safe and elastic step on our hard and slippery 
streets. For buggy, saddle, and light draught horses they cannot 
be surpassed, and when better known will be more appreciated, 
Kespcctfullv, vours. 

" ' WM. WILLIS, 

Practical Bl^.cksmith. 



Saint Louis, June 12, 1878. 
Dear Sir: I have in daily use a full set of Howard's Improved 
Horseshoe, and I take pleasure in saying they give entire satisfac- 
tion to myself and horse. Properly made an<l weU adjusted to the 
foot, I cannot conceive of any improvement on them. 
,™,_j_^Kespectful] v, 

ED. BURKE PICKETT, M. E. 
J. W. Clarke, Esq. 



KiHKWooD, Saint Louls County, Missouri, 

April 20, 1878. 

Dear Sir: I am a i)ractica] bhicksmith, and have shod several 
horses with the Howard Improved Horseshoe, and th(\v have given 
great satisfaction to my customers ; in fact, they will now use no 
other shoe. They wear longer than the ohl-fashioned shoe, and 
have a good soft spring to the horse on our hard rock roads. They 
are in evei-y way, in my o[)inion, better than the old shoes. So sure 
am I of that fact, tluit I have applied f<u- the agency of this county, 
as I jun certain there is not a man in the county who tries them 
once will use any other horseshoe. 
Kespcctfullv, vours. 

' ' J. H. HAYES. 

To I. TirrKTT, Esq., 

Saini Louis. 



41 

LniK AND Ce:ment Wakeiiol'.se, Saixt Louis, Mo., 

June 8, 1878. 
Dear Sir: In reply to your favor of yesterday, asking me how 
I am pleased with the Improved Horseshoe, and how it works on 
my horse, I take pleasure in saying that they are the best shoes I 
have ever used on my horse. I am a contractor ; and my horse is 
in Tise every day, doing- hard work, ever since your shoes have been 
on him. They ha^■e "worn longer l>y a long Avay than any shoe 
that has ever been on him ; he never slips now, and keep his hoofs 
in splendid condition ; in every way he moves easier and with con- 
fidence. It is now two months since I put them on him, and, from 
their looks, will wear two weeks longer. I want no better shoe for 
my horse, and can safely recommend them to all horse-owners as the 
best and safest shoe in use. 



Yours, truly, 
James R. Howard, Esq. 



J. W. McCAKTY, 



AVasiiixgton, June "21, 1378. 
Sir : I inclose letter from Mr. W. W. Fentou, which I respect- 
fully request may be laid before the Board of Army officers ap- 
pointed to test and report upon horseshoes, of which you are 
recorder. 

Mr. Fenton is a gentleman of standing and character, aiul made, 
as you see by his letter, a very thorough test of the shoes. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

^ ' MARCUS J. WRIGHT. 

Mr. H B. HlBRARD, 

First Lieutenant Second ArtiVeri). 



The Heikks Nurseries Company, 

yorth Bristol, Ohio, June 17, 1878. 
Dear Sir : In reply to your inquiry, I state I had a pair of the 
Howard Patent Horseshoe put on my buggy-horse and drove him 
almost everv day on an average of 20 to 2.5 miles over rock roads in 
Saint Louis County, Missouri.^ The shoes remained on him some 
ninety days, and iinproved his feet and action. I regard them as 
the best shoes I ever used. 
Yours, trulv, 

' W. W. FEXTOX. 

General Marcus J. Wright, 

Washington, D. C. 



42 

House of Reprksextatives, 

Washington, D. C, June 13, 1878. 
My Dear Sir : I inclose yon letter from ex-Goveruor Shepherd, 
which I respectfully request you to lay before the board of which 
you are secretary. 

Yerv respectfully, your obedient seryaut, 

MARCUS J. AYRIGHT. 
Lieut, E. B. Hubbard, 

Second ArtiJlery, Fort McHeury. 

Office of Aeex. R. Shepherd, 

ira^ihhigton, D. C, June 12, 1878. 
My Dear Sir: I haye used with great satisfaction the Howard 
Patent Horseshoe, and am conyinced of its great merit, and that it 
is a decided iraproyemeut upon any shoe I haye eyer seen. For 
large horses it is a great relief, and will beneht any horse inclined 
to tenderness in feet or legs. I hope they will be adopted by the 
Army. 

Very respectfully, 

ALEX. R. SHEPHERD. 
Lieut. E. B. Hubbard, 

First Lieutenant Second JrfiUerjj, V. S. J. 



No. 800 Tenth Street, Northeast, 

Washington, D. C, June 10, 1878. 
Dear Sir : I inclose for reference to the Board of which you are 
recorder a letter from Hon. Balie Peyton, of Tennessee, former 
member of Congress and United States minister to Peru, and also 
a letter from ]Mr. James C. Saunders, clerk to the Committee on 
Ventilation House of Representatiyes. Colonel Balie is one of the 
oldest and most distinguished turfmen in tlie United States, Avhose 
opinion in all matters relating to horses receiyes and is entitled to 
the greatest respect. 

I shall haye seyeral other letters from residents of Washington 
and Saint Louis, which I will forward you in a few days. 
I am, sir, yery respectfully, your obedient seryaut, 

MARCUS J. WRIGHT. 
Mr. E. B. Hubbard, 

First Lieutenant Second Artillery, Ik'corder of Hoard. 



The Ebbitt, 

Washington, D. C, June 8, 1878. 
Dear Sir : The Hoy ar 1 Patent Horseshoe is a shell of either 
malleable iron, wrought iron, or cast steel ; those on exhibition here 
now being of malleable iron, the shell is tille<l with tarred rope, 
treated and put iu, under a heayy pressure'. 



43 

The peculiar adjustment of the nail-holes prevents pricking, 
and yet fastens the shoe securely ; the roughened or corrugated base, 
on which the hoof rests, causes the hoof to ht on closely, and pre- 
yents gravel, soil, or water from reaching the foot. The tarred 
rope acts as a cushion and prevents concussion, stoving, " slips," 
and straining of the limbs. 

The base of the shoe is very wide and the frog of the foot is given 
full play. These are some of the virtues, which strike me, that re- 
commend this pattern of a shoe to universal adoption. Many of 
the properties of this shoe supply wants long needed, and a pre- 
ventative to many abuses to which horse-flesh has heretofore been 
subjected. 

It may not be inappropriate for me to state that my experience 
and observation of the subject-matter of this letter is as great and 
varied perhaps as any gentleman's in this country. I have bred 
many fine horses and have had occasion as well as an inclination 
to pay particular attention to the hoof and manner of shoeing horses, 
and my convictions are thorough and replete that this shoe is the 
best I have ever seen to supply the protection so much desired. 
I am, very respectfullv, 

BALIE PEYTON, 

Tennessee. 

Lieutenant Hubbard, 

Secretary of the Board. 



Washington, D. C.,June 10, 1878. 
Dear Sir : In rei)ly to your letter of this date, inquiring 'as to 
my opinion of the Howard Patent Horseshoe, I will state that the 
set of shoes furnished by you and put on my trotting horse have 
given the greatest satisfaction. The shoes are well fitted and firm 
on the hoofs ; the horse has free action, does not slip, and travels 
with great ease. 

Yours, verv truly, 

JAS. C. SAUNDERS. 
General Marcus J. Wright, 

Washington , D. C. 



Washington, May 22, 1878. 
My Dear Colonel : Referring to the conversation we had this 
morning in regard to the strength of the Howard Patent Horseshoes, 
now on trial before a Board of Army officers in this city, I beg to say 
that the shoes submitted to that Board were rudely and rather has- 
tily manufactured, by the only malleable iron works in Saiut Louis, 
and that my limited 'means would not permit me to have the work 
done by older and better establishments. I am assured by manu- 
facturers in Pliiladelphia, Chicago and Worcester, Mass., with 
whom I have been in correspondence on the subject, that they can 



44 

mauufactnre tliese slices so that tliey will stand auy pressure 
necessary to cliange their shape, without impairing their strength. 
Colonel Howard, the inventor of these shoes, submitted them to 
Dr. Bennett, who (I am informed) is a very distinguished veteri- 
nary surgeon of London, and ho wrote Colonel Howard : '^ I regard 
malleable iron as the best material for horseshoes (except for some 
purposes where steel would be preferred), and the tilling of rope in 
your shoes atfords a protection to all classes of horses, and particu- 
larly those whose service requires travel over hard roads, not offered 
by any shoes I have ever seen. * * * 

'"In' regard to sizes, I think that tive sizes for round-footed horses 
and five for narrow-footed ones, made in strict conformity to the 
horse's foot, as these appear to be, will tit all horses whose feet are 
not deformed ; or if they do not precisely tit, the change necessary 
to be made will be so slight, that it will require but little press- 
ure." 

The shoes snl)niittod to the Board here were all for round-footed 
horses, as we had no models for the others, and several sets had to 
be altered to such an extent that it no doubt impaired their 
strength ; but with all the sizes prepared and made of the best 
material, I am sure that no olijection will be found on account of 
Avant of strength. 

Of the several hnndred sets used in Saint Louis within the past 
eight months, very few ever broke in use, and they did not fail, in a 
single instance that I am aware of, to give entire satisfaction, and 
the test was extended to animals in all the sorts of service in the 
city. 

Very trulv, vour friend, 

' ' MARCUS J. WRIGHT. 

Col. R. T. WlNTEKSMITH. 

These shoes can be made of cast steel at an additional cost of 
about 3 cents i)er pound. Please submit this communication to the 
Armv Board. 



Wasiiingtox, AjmJ 12, 1878. 
Gentlemex of the Army Board: I make the followino-named 
claims for the Howard Patent Horseshoes, which are submitted for 
your examination : That they tit the hoof more perfectly than auy 
other shoe ; that tliey prevent slipping, straining, bucking, and 
cracked heels, and that they cure tender-foot; that they cjin be put 
on by any smith, or, if necessary, by any person not a smith; that 
they wear longer than any shoes now in use; that the nails are 
adjusted that a horse cannot be pricked in shoeing, and that the 
nails, being forced into the hard part of the hoof, and the string of 
tarred rope pressed into the (outer) nail-groove to set the nails 
tirmly, that they hold more firmly than any other shoes; that the 
corrugations on the upper surface of the shoes indent themselves 



45 

into the hoof in a few days, preventing sand, gravel, or even water 
from reaching the hoof. The theory on Avhich these shoes are con- 
structed is, that a horse, to have proper action, nuist stand level, 
and consequently in a natural position ; that the hoof should not 
be trimmed, except to make the loAver surface smooth ; that the 
frog must not be cut away on the outside, or enamel filed off. 



Respectfully, 



MARCUS J. WRIGHT. 



LETTEES AXD EECOMMEXDATIOXS. 

BILLINGS PATENT MACHINE-ROLLED HORSESHOES. 

North Hero, Yt., Jiihj 15, 1878. 
Gents: I herein acknowledge the receipt of the four shoes I or- 
dered some two weeks ago. My opinion of them is that they are 
the most perfect horse-shoe I ever saw. I am very much pleased 
with them. The ease with Avhich my old, bunged-up, thirteen 
years old horse travels off with is evidence enough to me that they 
are ilie shoe. 

Yours, trulv, 

CHAUNCEY P. HAZEN. 
The John D. Billings Patent Horseshoe Company, 

New Yorl: 



The John D. Billings Patent Horseshoe Company, 

Xo. 265 Broadway, New York, July 2, 1878. 
Dear Sir: We inclose you a letter just received from a gentle- 
man who has tried our shoe. Believing this will aid you in forming 
an opinion of its merits, "^ '^ 

We are, very respectfully, 

The John D. Billings Patent Horseshoe Company 
AVM. L. FLEMING, 

Treasurer and Secretary. 
Capt. F. B. Hamilton, U. S. A., 

fVashhigton, D. C. 



Catawissa, Pa., July 1, 1878. 
Gents : Inclosed please find $2, for which please send me two sets 
of your patent horseshoes, as follows: One pair front shoes, 5 
inches ; 1 pair front shoes, 5:^ inches ; one pair hind shoes, 4f inches ; 
one pair hind shoes, 4^ inches. I have one set on one of my 
horses, and, so far, like them very much. My other horse not need- 
ing shoeing at the time, I let a doctor have the one pair, and he 



46 

likes tliern, and thinks tliey are the best shoe out. I want to try 
one pair on a tender-footed horse, and if they give satisfaction on 
him, I think that will establish a little trade here, so that either 
the blacksmith or myself will order a small lot, &c. Send the same 
as before, and oblige, 

Yours, very respectfully, 

J. H. GEARY, 
Catawissa, CoJumhia Counti/, Pennsylvania. 
J. D. BiLLixGS Patent Horseshoe Company, 

265 Broachcau, Xew York, 



Washingtox, D. C, June 24, 1878. 
Gentlemen : I like your shoe. After a fair trial, I pronounce it 
a success. I believe its universal adoption only a question of time. 
The best I can say is, that my customers who use it once come 
back after them again. 
Very respectfully, 

M. HARRIGAN, 
Horse-ihoer, Xo. 615 B street, X. W. 
John D. Billings Horseshoe Company. 



Washington, D. C, June 18, 1878. 
Dear Sir : After a fair and satisfactory trial of your Patent 
Horseshoes, I can fully concur with the above statements of the 
worth and value of the said shoes. I can pronounce them perfect 
ease and comfort to all classes of horses, and v/ould recommend 
them to all owners of horses. 
Y^ours, respectfully, 

N. L. FOWLER, 

Wood and Coal Dealers, 
Xinth and G streets southeast, Washington City, D. C. 

J. D. Billings, Esq., 

265 Broadway, Xew Yorl-. 



Washington, D. C, June 26, 1878. 
Dear Sir : In reply to yours of the 17th instant, inquiring my 
opinion of your shoe, I can only say that I have tried them, and 
with very satisfactory results, on the principle which they are 
constructed, I think is the right one; at leavst they have proven so 
with one of my horses. 



47 

I have been eugaged in the livery business for several years, and 
I have never used a shoe with better results when inoperly applied. 
Yours, with respect, 

BENJ'N. COOLEY, 
Xo. 714 E Street, southeast. 
J. D. Billing s, Esq. 



Providence, June 7, 1S78. 
Sir : What are your prices and terms for shoes ? I have a set on 
one of my horses, and like them very much. I am traveling through 
the country, and all that have seen the shoes like them \evy much. 
I think that I can introduce them extensively if you wish me to. 
Yours, respectfully, 

E. N. PERRIN. 
Mr. Billings. 



The John D. Billings Patent Horseshoe Company, 

Xo. 265 Broadway, Xew York, June 20, 1878. 
Dear Sir : Thinking that the opinions of persons who have used 
our shoes for various purposes may be acceptable to you, as they 
(the shoes) are now being tried on a few of the government horses, 
we inclose a copy of a letter received from a gentleman in Troy, N. 
Y. (the original on file at our office), who has tried the shoes for 
some weeks past. 

Very respectfully, yours, 

I'he John D^ Billings Patent Horseshoe Company, 
WM. L. FLEMING, 

Treasurer and Secretary. 
Capt. F. B. Hamilton, 

Washington Arsenal, Washington, D. C, 

Office of James P. Gates^ Dealer in Co.\l, 

No. 89 River Street, Corner of DmsiON, 

Troy, X. Y., June 18, 1878. 
Dear Sir: I take great pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of 
gome of your patent horseshoes with continuous calk, which I have 
used some two and a half months to my entire satisfaction. They 
are certainly the most perfect shoo ever used in my stable. They 
are adapted to all kinds and conditions of horses' feet, and, if prop- 
erly adjusted, will prove one of the greatest blessings ever offered 
the American public. 

Yours, very trulv, 

JAMES P. GATES. 
John D. Billings, Xew Yorlc. 



LIBRARY OF 



CONGRESS 




003 442 126 2 



New Yokk, June 17, 1878. 
Dear Sir : I have used tlie shoes I obtained from you on a mare 
who has tender feet, and find they work admirably. Slie now 
places her feet square on the ground, and has improved in her gait. 
The shoes are the best for all purposes I have seen. 
Trulv, yours, 

^ ' "^ ' A. VREDENBURGH. 

J. D. Billings, Esq. 

Original letter on file at our office, 265 Broadway, Xew York City. 
Mr. Vredenburgh is deputy receiver of taxes Xew York City, under 

General Martin. ^r.TT/^^T 

T. MacMAHON. 

The Johx D. Billings Patent Horseshoe Company, 

Xo. 265 Broadway, Xew York, June 18, 1878. 
Dear Sir: We hereby inclose copy of letter received l»y us from 
Mr. Alfred Vredenburgh, deputy receiver of taxes of New York, 

Mr. Vredenburgh is a horse-fancier, and has had many years of 
experience as an owner of fine stock. 
Yours, very respectfully, 

.J. D. B. Pat. Horseshoe Company, 
Per T. 
Capt. F. B. Hamilton, 

Wasliington Arsenal, D. C. 

o 



